Flats, rooms and residences near the ULB

Although it is often confused with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), it differs from it in that the main language of the VUB is Dutch and that of the Université Libre de Bruxelles is French. Among its students, this usually hosts 32% of international students every year, with up to 140 different nationalities.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the institution so that you can easily find student housing near the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Flats and rooms for students near the ULB

To get accommodation near this Belgian institution, you first have to identify which of all the campuses you are going to, to choose the most convenient neighbourhood to live in. We tell you all this information below:

Where is the Université Libre de Bruxelles located?

This institution has eight different campuses, distributed between the cities of Brussels and Charleroi. These are:

Campus Solbosch

It is the main campus of the institution and is located in the Solbosch neighbourhood, southeast of the centre of Brussels. From this central neighbourhood, this campus can be reached in about 20 minutes by bicycle or public transport. Here are the classes of:

• Faculty of Human Sciences

• Brussels School of Engineering

Campus Plaine

It is located between the neighbourhoods of Ixelles and Etterbeek, very close to Campus Solbosch. Here you will find the faculties of:

• Sciences

• Pharmacy

Campus USquare

It is located in Ixelles neighbourhood, near the ULB Campus Plaine. It is a shared campus with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) that will be fully operational in the year 2025. The ULB-VUB FabLab is located here.

Erasme Campus - Medicine Campus

Located in the Vogelenzang neighbourhood, this complex is located in the southwest of Brussels, in the suburbs of the city and the municipality of Anderlecht. Here, in addition to the Erasmus Hospital, we find the faculties of:

• Medicine

• Motor Sciences

• School of Public Health

• Nursing School

Campus Flagey

This campus is located in the Ixelles neighbourhood of the Belgian capital, about 15 minutes by bike from the city centre. It houses part of the institution's La Cambre-Horta Faculty of Architecture.

Campus Uccle

It is located in the Uccle district (also called Ukkel), in the Churchill neighbourhood and close to the large Bois de Cambre park. There is located the Department of Translation and Interpreting of the Faculty of Letters, Translation and Communication.

Campus UCharleroi

This is the main campus of the Belgian city of Charleroi, and it has several buildings in the old town of the city, called Ville Haute. Here, there is another FabLabs of the institution.

Campus Gosselies

Here is the Biopark Charleroi Brussels South, with several institutes related to Natural Sciences and Medicine. It is located on the outskirts of Charleroi, near the airport of that city.

Best neighbourhoods to live in near the ULB

These are some of the neighbourhoods that we recommend you:

Ixelles (Brussels)

It is one of the university districts of Brussels, and it is ideal for students who are going to Campus Solbosch, Campus Plaine, Campus Flagey and Campus Uccle. From here, you will be able to easily reach the centre of Brussels, taking advantage of lower rental costs than in more central areas.

Anderlecht (Brussels)

This district of the Belgian capital is very convenient if you are going to the Campus Erasme of the ULB, since it is located right there. It also has a good connection to the city centre, so you'll be able to get to entertainment sites easily.

Upper town (Charleroi)

Living in the centre of Charleroi will allow you to be close to the buildings of Campus UCharleroi and the liveliest places in the city, such as bars and restaurants.

Gosselies Centre (Charleroi)

This neighbourhood is very convenient if you are going to Campus Gosselies from the institution, since you will be able to reach it in just 10 minutes by bicycle.

Student residences near the ULB

This Belgian institution does not have its residences, so if you want to live in a residence near the ULB, you have to consider a spare room or studio flats in private residences. For your reference, prices usually go from €500 per month onwards, including service costs.

Erasmus in the Free University of Brussels

Some information that you have to know during your mobility in this Belgian institution:

• In cafeterias and restaurants of the ULB you will not only access affordable food, but you will also taste different dishes of Belgian food, including “Parmentier de quorn”, “Carbonnade à la flamande” and “Boulet à la Liégeoise”

• In general, exchange students are recommended a B1 or B2 level in French, to be able to follow classes easily. If you want to improve your language, you can also sign up for free courses in the ULB.

FAQ about the Free University of Brussels